Development Networks Evaluation Findings

Sharing Event 11 September 2017 The National Archives Networks Agenda

• Headline findings • Methodology • Development networks • Lessons learned • Recommendations Headline findings

• 10 networks funded throughout England (all unique and at different stages) • Over £240K invested (includes TNA and match funding) • Only 1 network no longer in operation • One network has become a new organisation (Archives West Midlands) • Enabled archive services to look beyond their own day to day operations • Helped to raise the profile of services among senior council leaders • Allowed individual archive services to tackle big challenges • Administration is a key area of concern among network members • Services have more power and authority when working collectively Methodology

The research was undertaken over a four stage process.

1. Initiation
2. Consultation
3. Compilation
4. Dissemination Development Networks

| Network | Geographic remit | |--------------------------------------------------------------|------------------| | Archives First | East | | East Midlands Regional Archives Council | East | | East of England Regional Archive Council | East | | The South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership (SEMLEP)| East | | London Archives Partnership | London | | Archives for Yorkshire | North | | Greater Manchester Archives and Local Studies Partnership (GMALSP) | North | | South Yorkshire Archives Partnership | North | | Archives West Midlands | West | | South West Fed | West | Membership

Domains represented across networks

- Archive Services: 35
- Museums: 8
- Libraries: 10
- Local studies: 22
- User groups: 9
- Universities: 13
- Local Authority services: 27
- Independent archives: 11
- Other (please specify): 3 Investment

Total investment

- TNA: 58%
- Network: 42%
- Match: In-kind total: 23%
- Match: cash total: 19% Survey and interview findings

To what extent has the network achieved the following:

- Generated a positive vision of archives (among the network members)
- Shared a positive vision with heads of service
- Shared a positive vision with elected members
- Shared a positive vision with archive staff
- Shared a positive vision with other key stakeholders

The chart shows the extent to which these goals have been achieved, with categories ranging from 'a lot' to 'not at all'. Development Opportunities

To what extent do you believe the network has identified the following development opportunities?

- Ways to improve efficiency
- Ways to maximise existing assets, including collections, staff expertise, digital preservation, conservation facilities
- Maintenance of local identities alongside economies of scale
- Developing service standards to meet the Archive Service Accreditation standard
- Income generation, fundraising or inward investment
- Digital infrastructure and service delivery

Legend:

- Don't know
- A lot
- A little
- Not at all Priority areas of activity Effective Networks

What in your opinion are the most important factors in ensuring a network is working effectively? Weighted Average

- Having a clear mission and purpose
- Having a clear plan for activity
- Knowing the members in the network
- Having senior level representation/support
- Achieving targets (on projects)
- Trusting other members in the network
- Having a robust governance structure
- Securing funds
- Managing time effectively
- Having external facilitation support
- Public awareness and support Recommendations for TNA

• Continue supporting networks • A healthy risk appetite • Adopt a self-selection approach • Continue match funding • Enable the sharing of ideas • Acknowledge Archives Accreditation • Support leadership, governance and management and working with consultants Stages of a Network

Stage 1: Talking shop

Stage 2: Get serious

Stage 3: Get on with it

Stage 4: Review, communicate and repeat Top tips for an effective network

1. Agree on a clear purpose
2. Establish priorities
3. Communicate and advocate
4. Get active – do stuff
5. Develop a governance and management framework